3 Easy Tips for Saving Your Family Money
If you’re lucky enough to afford all that you want, more power to you. If you’re in the same position as the 99%, then keep reading! This article will give you three simple and quick ways to save money around your house for your family. We’ve got to be creative when it comes to finances, so don’t be afraid to think of other ways!
1. Kids’ Clothes
If you have a growing family with small children, you know how expensive kids clothing is. Fortunately, it is really easy to find inexpensive, cute clothing for kids. Since children under five years old grow out of, rather than wear out, their clothes, the Salvation Army, thrift stores, swap meets and garage sales are the places to go to fill your kids’ closets. You can find practically new, reasonably priced clothes in an endless variety for pennies, when compared to department store prices. Check each item for quality and make an offer if you have assembled several pieces, especially if you are at a garage sale or swap meet. Another money saving idea is to buy for the upcoming season whenever you see an appropriate item in the right size. Your kids will be so well dressed your friends and family will think you spent a fortune at expensive department stores.
2. Home and Garden
One of the fastest and easiest ways to find products for your home and garden is to go online and check out the websites, like Craigslist, for the items that you need. You can find new and used products of every kind and in a wide range of prices. Whether you need a chain saw, a dog kennel, or a car seat, if you are willing to put in a small amount of time, it shouldn’t take long to find several ads for any item. I suggest you do a little research beforehand, though. Check out several sites for items you want, so you can compare them with the ads you find. Read ads carefully to be sure of the quality of the item you are interested in, as well as the price and how far you may have to drive to pick it up. Call the advertiser, ask questions about the quality and age of the item and why the advertiser is selling it. If, at this point, you are still interested in the item, set up a time to go view it. Check the item closely for quality, wear, and functionality before you commit to the purchase. If it is an item that runs on electricity, gas or batteries, ask to turn it on so you can assess its level of performance. Once you’ve gotten this far and made the decision to purchase the item, always make a fair offer. Most people will consider a reasonable counter offer and you may end up getting an even better deal than you expected.
3. Trade, Swap and Exchange
If you are a service professional, you can advertise on-line to trade your services for someone else’s. If you have a service specialty such as lawn and garden maintenance, house painting, pet grooming or carpet cleaning, you can offer an “of equal value” trade. Be sure to ask for qualifications or certifications from any service provider if what you need done is a health or safety concern such as electrical work, automobile repair, or anything structural. Be prepared to show anyone responding to your ad your qualifications. You may only want to use this service trade for minor services such as lawn or yard care, simple household repairs and maintenance or services such as cleaning or hauling. Besides professional services you can also offer to trade items of similar value and quality. For instance, you could ask to trade in infant car seat, stroller and bassinet for an older child’s bed set and dresser.
Camille Rogers saves money by visiting helpful websites, like www.backgroundcheck.org.
